In situ sea surface observations and satellite derived estimates at the sea surface are included in the analysis. SST bucket corrections have been applied to gridded fields from 1870 through 1941. And a blend of satellite AVHRR (for SST), SSMI (for ice) and observations are used in the modern periods. This data product replaces the GISST/GICE (Global Sea Surface Temperature/Global sea-Ice content) data sets ended in February 2003.

The data were provided by the Hadley Centre (Met Office). Updates are available from the Hadley Centre.